Explore Bhutan’s culture, nature, heritage

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Duration

5 nights 6 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English, Malayalam

About this tour

Visitors from all around the world can enjoy a singular and beautiful sightseeing experience in Bhutan. The Himalayan mountains, deep valleys, beautiful forests, and crystal-clear rivers define the country’s landscape. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff above the Paro valley, and the Punakha Dzong, a magnificent fortification situated at the confluence of two rivers, are two of the most well-known places to see while touring Bhutan. Visitors can also tour Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, which is renowned for its stunning temples and traditional style. The Phobjikha Valley is another well-liked vacation spot where travellers may see the magnificent black-necked cranes that migrate to the area each winter.

Highlights

  • Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Visit the world's largest sitting Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu.
  • Tashichho Dzong: Explore a Buddhist monastery and fortress in the heart of Thimphu.
  • Motithang Takin Preserve: See Bhutan's national animal, the Takin, in its natural preserve.
  • Dochula Pass: Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas and 108 chortens.
  • Chimi Lhakhang: Visit the Temple of Fertility, dedicated to the "Divine Madman."
  • Punakha Dzong: Explore the majestic fortress at the confluence of two rivers.
  • Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Hike to Bhutan’s most famous and sacred monastery perched on a cliff.
  • Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest and holiest temples dating back to the 7th century.
  • Tamchog Lhakhang: Discover a temple dedicated to the Iron Bridge Builder, Thangthong Gyalpo.
  • Folk Heritage Museum: Immerse yourself in Bhutanese culture and heritage through exhibits of everyday life.

Included/Excluded

  • Meet & Greet services by our Guest Experience Executive at Bagdogra Airport
  • Accommodation on Double / Twin sharing basis on above mentioned hotels/ similar hotels.
  • Meals: Daily Breakfast as per Itinerary (Expect on Day1)
  • For Luxury segment: Meals will be on Half Board basis.
  • All transfer & Sightseeing by using an exclusive SUV for 2-3 pax, Hyundai H1 for 4 pax and Toyota Hiace Bus for up to 6 pax. Bagdogra pick - up and drop will be done in Exclusive SUV (02-03 PAX) / MUV (04-06 PAX) (Vehicle will be on disposal with guest from 9H00 till 17H00.
  • Cost for Airfare, Train fare, rafting, medial urgency, insurance, additional meal / tea snacks.
  • Cost of personal nature expenses such as bottled water, laundry, incidentals, porter, tips etc.
  • Difference in cost arising due to extra usage of additional services, changes in taxes by Government or political unrest, natural calamities (Land slide/ road blockage) etc. in such case extra will have to be paid on the spot by guest.
  • Cost for anything which is not mentioned under “COST INCLUDES” Coolum.
  • MANDATORY NEWLY INTRODUCED SDF FEE (NOT ADDED IN PACKAGE COST): -
  • INR 1200 SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) per person per night basis to be paid for e-permit.
  • Indian nationals intending to visit Bhutan are required to carry any of the two valid Travel Documents' (a) Valid Indian Passport having validity of minimum 6 months; and/or (b) Voter Identity Card, issued by the Election Commission of India

Itinerary

<span> Day 1 </span> Thimpu

On arrival, guests will be received at the airport by Akbar Holidays Guest Experience Executive who will be your tour guide and companion for the whole duration of your tour in Bhutan.

Drive to your hotel in Thimphu. After refreshing yourselves and having lunch (on your own), visit the following

Kuensel phodrang The Kuensel Phodrang or the Buddha point is the world‟s largest sitting Buddha statue, the statue is 167 feet high. The statue is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city of Thimphu, it can be accessed by road and is about 15 minutes away from the city’s center.

Motithang Takin preserve: The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Thimphu Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin Bhutan‟s national animal. It was originally a mini zoo, but it was converted in a preserve later on as the Takin.
Later in the evening you can visit Tashichho Dzong: The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan.

Overnight stay at Thimphu.

<span> Day 2 </span> Thimpu

Post breakfast go for Thimphu (City tour) including following: -

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: This is a private factory and they manufacture a special watermark paper as well as products such as lampshades, envelopes and other objects made of traditional Bhutanese paper. They make great gifts to take home with you and are genuinely unique.

Folk Heritage Museum: The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage provide rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos.

Memorial Chorten: Referred to as the Memorial Chorten, it’s actual name is Gongzo Chorten or Gyaldren Chorten. The chorten (stupa) is a chief landmark in the capital city and is also a most sacred place of worship for local people.

Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a 12th century temple sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu valley with the main statue of Chenrizig (The Buddha of Compassion).

Overnight stay at Thimphu.

<span> Day 3 </span> Punakha

Post breakfast, drive toward Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where on a sunny day, you can get stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan.

Another striking feature at the pass are the 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens, that were built for the well-being of all sentiment beings on earth. The 108 Chorten were built as a tribute to the Kings of Bhutan for their selfless service and leadership they offer to the people of Bhutan.

Continue drive towards Punakha and stop at Lobesa village and have lunch(on your own) before going for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), it is dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Mad Man) and is the place from where Phalluses originated as the symbol of fertility and protection and can be seen everywhere in Bhutan, on house walls and roofs and altars. Childless couples usually go to this temple to get blessings so that they conceive and are blessed with a child.

(NOTE: The temple and has some sexual depictions. You may want to reconsider visiting this place if you are not comfortable with children seeing these)

Then drive to Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River.

Overnight stay at Punakha.

<span> Day 4 </span> Punakha

After breakfast, drive back towards Dochula and to Paro..

Post lunch drive to Paro, on the way visit Tamchog Lhakhang: Tachog lhakhang is temple that is dedicated to the 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. This temple is located across the river about 15kms from the Paro towards Thimphu.
Ta Dzong (National Museum): The name Ta Dzong translates to ‘watch tower’ and it served the function of watch tower for the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Back in the day, similar look-out points were built for other dzongs (fortresses) to counter any approaching hostilities, for those were the days of frequent strife.

Overnight stay at Paro.

<span> Day 5 </span> Paro

Have early breakfast and drive up to the base of Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The most famous and sacred site among all the places in Bhutan. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have come riding on a flying tigress to this place and meditated in a cave for 3 months, it wasn’t until Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal came to this place and meditated that it gained the popularity that it has now. The present structure is said to be built in the 15th century but was destroyed by fire in 1998 and has been restored.

The walk is about 2 hours till the top through wide pathways which was built during the restoration works. One hour into the climb there is a tea point from where you get a very good view of the monastery, they also serve lunch here. From there it’s about another 45 minutes climb to the 2nd view point and the highest point in the hike.

Kyichu Lhakhang: Considered the oldest temple along with Jampa and Kenchosum Lhakhang in Bumthang, it dates back to the 7th century when a Tibetan King ordered 108 temples to be built in a single night to subdue a huge ogress. It was later renovated in the mid 19th century and in the late 1960's by the Grand Queen Mother. It is also considered by many to be one of the holiest places in the country. Inside the compound is an orange tree which always has oranges no matter what the season.

Overnight stay at Paro.

<span> Day 6 </span> Paro

After breakfast departure transfer to Paro (PBH) Airport for your onwards journeys.

Durations

Multi day

Language

English
Malayalam

Frequently asked questions

Cancellation Policy (Per Person) 
Days before departure:Cancellation Charge:
10 days100%
10 to 15 days75% + Non Refundable Component
15 to 30 days30% + Non Refundable Component
Hotel / Air100% in case of non-refundable ticket / Hotel Room
Cruise / VisaOn Actuals

Payment PolicyOnline Advance as per Website
Within 45 to 30 days prior to the departure of the tour75% of total tour cost or Non Refundable component whichever is higher
Within 30 days prior to the departure of the tour100% of total tour cost

  • All Prices are in Indian Rupees and subject to change without prior notice.

  • Price quoted are subject to availablity at time of confirmation, we are currently not holding any blocking against the sent quotation.

  • Tour prices are valid for Indian Nationals & Foreigners holding Indian Resident Permit.

  • Booking confirmations are subject to availability.

  • All Hotels Rooms are subject to availability

  • We are not holding any reservations of air seats, hotel rooms, conference rooms etc. Final availability status will only be known when we request for bookings.

  • Holiday Surcharge will be additional if applicable

  • Any overstay expenses due to delay or change or cancellation in flight will be on the guests own & Akbar Holidays will not be held liable for such expenses however we will provide best possible assistance.

Tour's Location

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2 reviews on this Tour - Showing 1 to 2
Explore Bhutan’s culture, nature, heritage
Customer
06/13/2022

Excellent, probably the best yet.

This was an amazing trip. Totally fell in love with Vietnam, We did so much in such in two weeks. The cycling, somehow. only felt like a small part of the experience as there were so many other things that we did. Each day was full on, exceptionally well organised, great food, etc Been on a few cycle trips, and I think this was the best one so far.
Explore Bhutan’s culture, nature, heritage
Customer
06/13/2022

A Brilliant Trip

We have been on a couple of cycling trips before and this one was probably the best. Tri our guide was outstanding and all our fellow cyclists were a great bunch of people. We got a real flavour of life in Vietnam. Lots of interesting food.The meals were good and plentiful. Thought we would lose weight but didn't! Good Hotels. Many highlights but a couple or so to point out,Whale Island and Hoi An, the 30km exhilarating downhill ride and cycling in city centre traffic...... great fun but leaves your heart racing. It is quite full on which leaves you wanting to spend more time in some of the places visited. The usual pattern is arrive at 5 - 6 pm, leave at 7.15 next morning. However we did find time to swim in the hotel pools. Overnight train was great fun ....all part of the adventure. To cover the length of the country there are some longish times in the bus but the bus was comfortable but great chance to talk with your fellow travellers. This also gives you time to see more of the country and people watch. Staggered us how much could be piled on a scooter!The bikes were ideal for the road conditions as well as being clean and very well maintained. At the frequent refreshment/rest stops there was lots of juice, water, fruit, nuts and biscuits. The driver and bike mechanic were very friendly and very competent. Great organization, things happened when Tri said they would.
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